Some believers have been given a burden to carry that is extreme and one that we are glad we don't have to carry.
Some believers are care takers of a loved one that requires around the clock care, and many times that means missing the fellowship of the saints and the preaching of the Word.
How can we help? We can visit, call, email, or text an encouraging word from God's Word that will help in lifting up their arms, their hearts, and their mind when they have to stand in their place of responsibility.
I know the Word of God says that David encouraged himself in the Lord, (See 1 Sam.30:6), but there were also times that David was encouraged by others. AND...there were times that others discouraged David by what they said or did or didn't do. We can do or say the wrong thing when someone needs a touch or word from a friend. To ensure that we do or say the right thing, we should limit our yes and amen to whatever the Word says about encouraging one another.
Encouraging one another is a command.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 ESV Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
Encouraging one another requires that we watch what we say.
Ephesians 4:29 ESV Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
Encouraging one another requires planning and having a face to face time,
Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Encouraging one another lifts the weight of a man's heart.
Proverbs 12:25 ESV Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.
Encouraging one another help keep someone from falling into sin and having his heart hardened.
Hebrews 3:13 ESV But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.
Encouraging one another strengthens everyone involved.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 ESV Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.